Full and half-day programs are offered at McDowell’s satellite outpatient location.
McDowell Center is a 28-bed residential treatment facility located in Dyersburg, Tennessee, for adolescent males experiencing mental health, behavioral, and/or substance abuse issues. The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at McDowell Center for Children is a comprehensive, outpatient program designed individually to meet each patient’s specific psychiatric illness, behavioral problems and/or substance abuse issues. The program is less intensive than inpatient psychiatric services; however, the program provides more structure and intervention than an individual would receive in an outpatient setting. The programs offer a variety of groups and intervention services, each tailored to meet the need of the individual.
01/16/2026
At McDowell, our residents welcomed the new year by choosing one powerful word to guide them through the year ahead. From “Strength” to “Creation,” each word became the centerpiece of a personalized vision board, reflecting the qualities they hope to embody by the end of 2025.
Staff joined in by sitting with each resident and listening as they shared their word and the intention behind it. The conversations that followed were full of depth, hope and connection.
01/15/2026
We are incredibly grateful to Ultimate Gavel for their generous donation of presents for our McDowell patients this holiday season.
From all of us at McDowell, and especially from our patients, thank you for helping make this holiday season brighter.
01/14/2026
Back in December, we gathered together for our McDowell Christmas Party, and it was truly a night to remember. From laughter around the table to shared stories, good food and even better company, the evening was all about connection, gratitude and celebrating the people who make McDowell what it is.
01/01/2026
Happy New Year! 🎉
As we step into 2026, remember that your mental health matters just as much as any resolution or goal. Take care of yourself, be gentle with your journey and know that it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
Here's to a year filled with growth, healing and happiness. We're here for you every step of the way. 💙
12/25/2025
Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season. ❤️
From our family to yours, may your day be filled with love, laughter and cherished moments with the people who matter most.
12/11/2025
The students at McDowell are wrapping up their first semester by reading Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry. This powerful story follows Mafatu, a boy who confronts his greatest fear after a life-changing loss. His journey shows that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the strength to move forward through it.
For our boys coping with trauma and heavy emotions, the story is a meaningful reminder:
▶️ You are stronger than your fears.
▶️ Growth comes through challenges.
▶️ Healing begins when you believe in yourself.
Today, they sketched the island from the novel using only their imaginations.
12/05/2025
It Takes Courage to Ask for Help.
Seeking mental health support for your child isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. Taking that first step can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone.
Our team is here to listen, support and guide your child toward healing and hope. Your child's mental well-being matters, and we're committed to walking this journey with your family.
Wishing you a day filled with warmth, gratitude and all the things that make this season special.
11/13/2025
Therapy that empowers. Support that lasts.
Our full-time Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and part-time Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) are designed to support your child's journey toward healing and growth. Whether they need full-time structure or part-time flexibility, we’re here to help them thrive, not just survive.
Today, we pause to honor all veterans, including our staff, families of patients and community members who have served our country with courage and dedication.
Thank you for your service, sacrifice and commitment. We are grateful for you today and every day. 🇺🇸
11/06/2025
Mental Health Myth: Treatment = Medication.
Truth: Every journey is unique. Care can include therapy, lifestyle changes and more.
Mental health treatment is personal. Find out what’s right for your child by visiting http://spklr.io/6180Bz494.
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The McDowell Center for Children, located in Dyersburg, Tennessee, is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that provides mental health and addiction services for adolescent males ages 12 to 17 who are experiencing mental health, behavioral, and/or substance abuse issues. Our mission is to deliver high-quality treatment, education, guidance, and encouragement for troubled adolescents as a trusted national provider of youth services. We understand that many adolescents referred to us have a long history of problematic behaviors at school, in the community, and in the family.
As a dedicated group of mental health providers, we believe there is hope for all young people, no matter what they’ve experienced in their past. Anyone can change, given the right guidance and structure, and we strive to provide the right mix of both at our facility. McDowell Center is here to offer hope, support, and care to adolescents and their families.
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